Sydney Siege: Man Haron Monis ‘Slipped Through Legal Cracks’: Mark Coultan
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/sydney-siege-man-haron-monis-slipped-through-legal-cracks/story-fnqxbywy-1227158054902?nk=ed5373c43c6ff8f6973fe26a1dc7ca8c
THE gunman in the Lindt Café siege Man Haron Monis would not have been free to commit terrorism if the new Bail Act was in force, the NSW Attorney General Brad Hazzard says.
Mr Hazzard also said there would be inquiries into how Monis, who had a history of violence and known extremist views, managed to slip through state and federal anti-terrorism intelligence agencies’ net.
“We are asking state agencies and federal agencies to look very closely at how this offender slipped through the cracks. How did this offender not come to the attention of state and federal agencies for more urgent action? “ Mr Hazzard said.
Police raid home of gunman’s partner
He said that inquires were only beginning but early indications were there were aspects that needed investigation.
Mr Hazzard said if Monis, who was on bail for being an accessory to murder and for sexual offences, had been dealt with under the new Bail Act, he would have been forced to show cause why he should be released.
“It’s our intent that offenders involved in serious crime will not get bail.”
He said that he had been released on the old Bail Act which had been since amended. He said it the new laws were due to come into force on January 28.
He had been advised by police and judicial officers that was the earliest date it could be implemented as it required training hundreds of judges and magistrates and thousands of police.
Implementing it earlier than that would create new vulnerabilities and problems, he had been advised.
“This offender was granted bail under the previous legislation, in fact two previous bail acts.”
“It’s frustrating. It’s very frustrating for us. It’s frustrating for me as Attorney general. It’s frustrating for the Premier, it’s frustrating for the entire government. It’s frustrating for the entire NSW community but we must accept the advice of our professionals.
“The professionals are absolutely adamant that the January 28 is the earliest possible operational date for the legislation.”
He refused to comment on how Monis’ partner Amirah Droudis was granted bail despite being charged with murder.
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